LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao grew up dirt poor in the Philippines, so he often gives money to those in need when he’s home.

It was therefore no surprise that Pacquiao on Wednesday talked about wanting to get back home and lend a hand to the thousands affected by Typhoon Fengshen, which hit the Philippines last week. It resulted in hundreds feared dead, massive power outages and an estimated 30,000 stranded on their rooftops because of the flooding.

Pacquiao always fights with the weight of his beloved country on his shoulders as it is. He is a hero in the Philippines. Tonight, he will be more heavily burdened when he challenges David Diaz for his lightweight championship.

They will square off at Mandalay Bay. The card will be available on HBO pay-per-view.

“It is so important for me to win because I have dedicated this fight to my countrymen and it will make them happy if I win,” Pacquiao said at the final news conference. “After the fight I will get back there and I will do something to help them.”

Pacquiao (46-3-2, 35 KOs) would be thrilled to go back having just made history. If he wins, he will be the first Asian fighter to win titles in four weight classes.

But there’s a fellow southpaw by the name of Diaz who may have something to say about that. Pacquiao is moving up in weight, but he is favored. Arguably, Pacquiao is the most ferocious fighter in the world. According to Diaz’s lead trainer, Jim Strickland, none of that cuts any ice with Diaz.

“He has what I call (an Evander) Holyfield characteristic,” Strickland said of Diaz. “A type of determination and confidence in himself that he feels he can beat anybody he gets in the ring with. He’s not intimidated, whoever it is.”

Diaz has come off as extremely focused and determined to keep his cherished title belt, one he admitted he thought he’d never win.

“No, thank God,” said Diaz, when asked if he was scared of Pacquiao. “The Lord gave me two hands as well, so we’re going to be in the middle of the ring fighting.”

Diaz, of Chicago, said he watched tapes of Pacquiao’s second fight with Juan Manuel Marquez – won by Pacquiao – and Pacquiao’s first fight with Erik Morales. Morales won that one via decision but was knocked out by Pacquiao in their second and third fights.